Main Beach, Noosa Heads, is the place to swim, surf, and sunbathe. If the bikini-clad supermodel look-alikes are too much for you, head to Sunshine Beach, just behind Noosa Junction off the David Low Way, about 2km (1 1/4 miles) from Noosa Heads, or to Peregian, slightly farther south. Both are just as beautiful, and all three are patrolled.

Learn to surf with two-time Australian and World Pro-Am champion Merrick Davis (tel. 0418/787 577 mobile; www.learntosurf.com.au), who's been teaching here since 1992. Merrick and his team run 2-hour lessons on Main Beach daily for A$60, 3-day certificate courses for A$165, and 5-day courses for A$240. They will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodations. They also rent surfboards, body boards, and sea kayaks.

If you want to rent a Windsurfer, canoe, kayak, surf ski, catamaran, jet ski, or fishing boat that you can play with on the Noosa River or take upriver into Great Sandy National Park , check out the many outlets along Gympie Terrace between James Street and Robert Street in Noosaville.

The Aussie Sea Kayak Company (tel. 0407/049 747; www.ausseakayak.com.au), at the Wharf, Mooloolaba, runs a 2-hour sunset paddle on the Maroochy River every day for A$45 -- including a glass of champagne on your return. Half-day tours run every day for 3 to 4 hours at Mooloolaba (A$65). Day tours of the Noosa Everglades run for 7 hours on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at Noosa (A$135), or there's an overnight tour leaving on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for A$295 per person.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.